Postdoctoral Research Associate

Brooke Scelza, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, UCLA is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position to begin in January of 2016 and run for 2 years. The position is part of a NSF-funded project entitled “A Biocultural Study of Preferences, Behavior and Outcomes in Family Dynamics.” This collaborative project, working with the Himba, a semi-nomadic pastoralist population in Namibia, investigates women’s decisions to switch or maintain concurrent romantic partnerships. The study aims to determine under what circumstances “multiple mating” might be beneficial and what kinds of benefits (e.g. genetic, material or social) might be gained from these behaviors. The successful candidate will work closely on projects related to these objectives, including two seasons of fieldwork in Namibia. There will also be the opportunity to take the lead on projects of related interest.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD in anthropology, psychology or evolutionary biology, with experience conducting field or laboratory research. Candidates with previous experience working on projects related to reproductive decision-making or mate choice and a strong theoretical background in evolutionary studies of behavior are especially encouraged to apply. Strong statistical skills are desired.

In addition to working on the Himba project, there will be ample opportunity for the candidate to engage with the UCLA Center for Behavior, Evolution and Culture, which sponsors a weekly speaker series and lab group. UCLA also has a variety of strong programs that may be of interest to the candidate including the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, the Institute for Society and Genetics, the California Center for Population Research and a new program in evolutionary medicine.

More information about the PI and the fieldsite can be found at:
http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/faculty/bscelza/index.html

Information about the UCLA Center for Behavior, Evolution and Culture can be found at:
http://www.bec.ucla.edu/

Interested applicants should email their materials in a single pdf file to bscelza@anthro.ucla.edu. Application materials should include a CV, cover letter with statement of research interests and experience, contact information for three references, and up to three publications. Reference letters will be requested from short-listed applicants. Applications received by Sep 1 will receive full consideration; review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Salary will be based on NSF postdoctoral rates, adjusted for California cost of living. The start date is negotiable but cannot be earlier than Jan 1, 2016.

All qualified applicants will receive full consideration without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Women and underrepresented minority applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.